The film is based on the quest of Mark
O’Brien (played by Mr. Hawkes) to enjoy sexual activity even though unable
to move his body from the neck down.While
Mr. O’Brien cannot move his limbs, he still has feeling - where it counts.

The movie is groundbreaking from the standpoint of bringing
sexuality to the big screen in a novel fashion.It also has an aspect that will be less talked about: All the male
characters are negative stereotypes.

You sense this from the first encounter Mark has with his parish
priest (played by William H. Macy).Mr.
Macy brings exceptional depth to the role, but the priest is still a
caricature.The priest – wait for it – has
difficulty relating to his parishioners.

Where have we seen that before?

How about Helen Hunt?Her character (Cheryl) has a family, and the son is a brat.Her husband, not to be outdone, is self-absorbed
and pretentious. Even the male clerk
where the treatment sessions take place is a stereotype.Like Norman Bates, this
motel clerk is thoroughly creepy and inappropriate.

It causes one to wonder about Writer and Director Ben
Lewin.What is he trying to do?

We must pay tribute to the courage of Helen Hunt and to the
creativity of the filmmakers in bringing this story to the American conscience.But why portray male figures in such a fashion?Why make every male in “The Sessions” - except
perhaps Terry the cat - a negative stereotype?

Maybe this is what our culture expects.We are accustomed to seeing Republicans
portrayed in caricature. Cartoons
of Republicans depict them as obnoxious, white, overweight males.Maybe now’s the time human beings of the male gender must be portrayed
as dysfunctional.

If you have the opportunity to see the movie and discuss it
with friends, see how many are enthralled by the “courage” displayed in the
film.